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Home Purchaser's Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Where is the sanitary sewer service located?

The City of New Ulm Engineering Department can provide an ESTIMATED location of the sewer service based on the original record drawings. The sewer service can be televised and located by a plumber who has specialty equipment to provide this service. Along with locating the sewer service, the plumber can inspect the sewer service to see the condition of the pipes.

Under New Ulm Public Utilities (NUPU) Regulations, the sanitary sewer service is the responsibility of the property owner from the house to the connection at the City sewer main.

2. Does the home have a sump pump? Is it draining properly?

If the home has a sump pump, check to make sure it is not draining into the sanitary sewer system. The discharge must run from a permanently installed discharge line from the interior of the home to the exterior of the home, draining to the City storm water system.

Click this link to view New Ulm’s Sump Pump Inspection FAQs.

3. Where is my water service located?

NUPU regulations state that the property owner is responsible for the water service from the house to the curb stop. Identifying where the curb stop for the property is will tell you where and how long the water service is to the home.

4. Whose responsibility are repairs to a home’s water service?

Water service repair is the responsibility of the homeowner. The homeowner’s responsibility is from the home up to the curb stop. The New Ulm Public Utilities’ responsibility is from the curb stop to the City water main.

The property owner shall maintain accessibility and proper grade of the curb stop riser box. Proper grade is defined as flush with finished grade to no more than 4 inches below finished grade. If grade is adjusted by New Ulm Public Utilities, the property owner could be billed for adjustment to grade, correction to operable vertical position, and/or relocation in conformance with local and state requirements.

5. Where is the water shut-off valve in the house?

On all water services up to 1 inch, there shall be a lock wing valve on the inlet side of the meter, and a gate valve on the outlet side of the meter. A water meter which is 1½ inches or larger in size is required to have a bypass water line. The property owner has the responsibility to keep water shut-off valves operable and accessible at all times.

6. What is the hardness of water in New Ulm?

New Ulm’s water hardness averages 511 ml/L or 30 grains/gallon.

7. What is the size of my electrical service? Does it have fuses or breakers?

Your Realtor or real estate agent can tell you the service size and if the house has fuses or breakers.

If you wish to make changes, such as upgrading your electric service or burying your overhead power lines, contact the Electric Department office: 507-359-8295 or 507-233-2110, Ext. 420.

Click this link for information on how to Install, Change or Upgrade Your Utility Service.

8. Are there functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home?

To check smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, push the test button. If no sound, change the battery and then recheck. Also, check the dates of the detectors. If the smoke detector is 10 years old or older, it needs to be replaced. Carbon monoxide detectors vary from five to 10 years for replacement. If there is no date, replace.

Click this link to view Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips.

9. The natural gas appliances are not working; who should I call?

Call the Gas Department at 507-359-8264 during business hours or 877-868-3636 anytime. A technician will come to make sure that the regulator and meter are operating property. If they are operating properly, the homeowner will need to call a repair person to fix the appliance. If work needs to be done on the gas line after the meter, a licensed plumber will need to be called.

Click here to view more information on this topic: Gas appliance problems? Call us first!

10. Are there any rebates for replacing appliances?

If an appliance, like a refrigerator, is 15 years old or older it may be time to replace it with an efficient Energy Star appliance. Some appliances that are Energy Star rated can save a up to 30% energy compared to non-Energy Star certified appliances. New Energy Star certified appliances may qualify for a rebate from New Ulm Public Utilities.

If the age and condition of an appliance is unknown, try looking for the model number on the appliance. Locating a model number is not difficult. It is generally located on a paper sticker or a metal plate attached to the appliance. If it cannot be located, try locating a user manual that may have been left by the past owner. A model number can help aid in finding the age of the appliance and its energy consumption.

Click here to apply for Energy Star appliance rebates: New Ulm’s Residential Rebates.

For more information on the rebates we offer, call us at 507-233-2110, Ext. 401.

11. What is the condition of the furnace/air conditioner? Are there rebates available?

To verify the condition of a furnace/boiler or air conditioner, it is best to contact a professional HVAC technician and have them checked and cleaned. Once checked and cleaned, the technician will be able to verify the condition of the units.

New Ulm Public Utilities offers rebates for a check and clean for both furnace/boilers and air conditioning units. Call New Ulm Public Utilities at (507) 233-2110, Ext. 401 for rebate information.

Click here to apply for a furnace/boiler or air conditioner rebate: New Ulm’s Residential Rebates.

12. What are the past average utility bills for my home?

As a potential homeowner, you can request your Realtor or real estate agent to obtain information on past utility bills for the property. Be aware, however, that the usage from one family to the next could be drastically different due to lifestyle and members in a household.

13. How and where do I change the utilities into my name after I purchase the home?

Your utility account can be set up using the online form process found on the City website (www.newulmmn.gov) or in person at City Hall, 100 North Broadway, New Ulm, Minnesota. Please allow a 72-hour notice for the request to be processed and the meters read.

Click here to learn how to start up your utility account for your new home: Start/Stop Service

14. What type of insulation is in the house? Is the attic insulated?

Insulation in the home is an important part of having an energy-efficient home and the ability to maintain a nice, even temperature in the home. Inquire as to what R-value is in the walls and in the attic.

15. What is my property zoned?

Zoning information is available on the City of New Ulm GIS site.  Or you may call the Building Safety department at 507-359-8245 for all zoning questions.

16. What are my property setbacks?

Property setback information is available by calling the Building Safety Department at 507-359-8245.

17. How do I identify my property lines?

The City of New Ulm Engineering Department can provide guidance on how homeowners can find their property lines. The Engineering Department does not locate property pins and does not have licensed land surveyors to set property pins. A licensed surveyor would need to be hired by the homeowner to find and document all property lines. For more information, contact our Engineering Department at 507-359-8380.

18. Are there any easements on my property?

To inquire about any pending assessments on a property, contact the City of New Ulm Engineering Department at 507-359-8380.

For existing assessments in the payoff period, an assessment search can be requested from the City Hall Finance Department at 507-359-8259. There is a $40 charge for the certificate. Please allow two to five days to complete. The Brown County Recorder’s Office will also have this information available.